Settling down with a good book before bed is not only a great way to relax but also benefits the mind, increases the vocabulary, and teaches readers new things. Whether they’re voracious or casual, fiction lover or non-fiction aficionado, a regular reader can greatly improve their mind and knowledge while at the same time enjoying themselves – which is in itself a great way to retain what they’ve read.

Improve Sleep

Reading before bed can help the mind to focus and let go of the stresses of a busy day, as well as improve sleep. Getting lost in a good story can prepare the mind for sleep and allow the reader to sleep more soundly, which in turn will mean less tiredness in the morning. In today’s technological world, reading before bed can be a good way to give the eyes a break from the stresses of brightly lit screens – as long as the reading is done with a book and not on a tablet or the computer. Half an hour of reading before bed isn’t as psychologically stressful as watching TV or doing something on the computer, and can be quite comforting.

Improve Vocabulary and Writing Skills

Along with relaxation, reading a book before bed improves vocabulary and writing skills by introducing new words and explaining them via context. Not only is this important for anyone who writes – whether a story, a blog, or an essay – but it can also help improve social skills by allowing the reader to express themselves more clearly. Improving vocabulary leads to more retention and memory of words, so that lack of use doesn’t lead to the brain forgetting. This retention can, in fact, be improved by going to sleep shortly after reading or learning a new concept, as demonstrated in this study.

Improve Concentration and Skills

Like all muscles, the brain needs consistent exercise in order to remain fit and healthy, and this is easily provided by reading. Reading helps to teach people, especially younger students, how to think analytically and encourages creativity. Reading also requires the mind to focus, either on plot points in a story or on new information, which in turn leads to better concentration in other aspects of daily life.

Bedtime reading doesn’t necessarily mean a long novel or a heavy textbook; it can also include magazines, short stories, or journalistic articles. Whatever the reading material is, reading it before bed can make people more relaxed, engage their minds, and improve knowledge and vocabulary.